NEWCASTLE Benfield manager Paul Baker could hardly be a happier man going into tomorrows First Division game with Bishop Auckland at Sam Smiths Park.

Baker could not hide his euphoria following his teams seven-goal romp over West Allotment Celtic on Monday night, a result which stretched their unbeaten sequence to 12 matches.

He said: I thought we were unbelievable going forward.

Michael Chilton was on fire, scoring five of our goals, and I was delighted for John Campbell, who notched the other two against his former club.

We are fourth-top and our aim must be to maintain the momentum.

All we can do is to keep on winning and hope the three sides above us falter.

It is going to be a tall order to finish ahead of Spennymoor Town but we are still in with a shout, and if we do not clinch the championship then we must aim for at least second or third.

Baker, who took in the Dunston UTS and Shildon game on Tuesday night, anticipates having a full squad available including Carl Patterson, who had a 15-minute run-out making his comeback on Monday.

Baker added: I have no injury or suspension worries, so one or two players might be disappointed tomorrow, but I have to say the attitude throughout the squad is brilliant.

I keep telling the lads to enjoy their game and lets just see where we are at the end of the season.

WHICKHAM boss Terry Ritson reckons the experience gained by his young team will put them in good stead for next season when hopefully a determined push for promotion from the Second Division will be mounted.

The Glebe side are hovering around mid-table before tomorrows visit to Northallerton Town, when Ritson will probably include a fair number of teenagers.

He said: Last week I started with four 18-year olds and we gained a decent draw with Washington.

I am very pleased with the way things are going and the commitment shown by the players, which augurs well for the future.

A blow tomorrow, though, is the absence through suspension of a trio of players.

Scott Robson, Steve Robinson and Mark Patterson are all sidelined, while Adam Wilkinson is also unavailable.

However, former Chester-le-Street player Gary Andison resumes.

:: BIRTLEY Town boss Scott Oliver is not getting carried away with last weeks success only his teams fourth in 29 attempts.

However, he is reasonably optimistic they can steer clear of the two relegation positions, even though they still prop up the table

Oliver said: Nobody knows exactly what will happen, but theoretically two sides could go down.

We are still 11 points from safety but all is not lost, as we showed with last weeks victory.

Our first sights have to be on Darlington RA, who are now only three points above us and we have four games in hand.

At the very least we have to finish above them, but hopefully we can also overtake Hebburn Town.

Birtley are without Finbar Lynch, and Oliver will need to check on the fitness of Owen Peterson, Stephen Green, Martin Thompson and Scott Baxter.